U.S. patent number 7,458,700 [Application Number 11/364,971] was granted by the patent office on 2008-12-02 for elective lighting fixture visors to improve playability for aerial sports.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Musco Corporation. Invention is credited to Myron K. Gordin.
United States Patent |
7,458,700 |
Gordin |
December 2, 2008 |
Elective lighting fixture visors to improve playability for aerial
sports
Abstract
A method, apparatus and system for illuminating a sports field.
The method includes identifying fixtures having a likelihood of
affecting playability or glare or spill light relative to a point
of view on or off the field. The method includes steps to identify
such fixtures for the purpose of adding a component which improves
playability or decreases glare or spill light for the point of
view. A further method does so for multiple points of view relative
to the field, whether on or off the field. One component is a long
visor that would be added only to identified fixtures.
Inventors: |
Gordin; Myron K. (Oskaloosa,
IA) |
Assignee: |
Musco Corporation (Oskaloosa,
IA)
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Family
ID: |
36943939 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/364,971 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20060198145 A1 |
Sep 7, 2006 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60657299 |
Mar 1, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/235;
362/431 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S
2/00 (20130101); F21V 11/16 (20130101); F21S
8/08 (20130101); F21W 2131/10 (20130101); F21W
2131/105 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21S
8/00 (20060101); F21S 6/00 (20060101); F21V
33/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;362/153.1,247,263,348,431,235 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: O'Shea; Sandra
Assistant Examiner: Cranson; James W
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McKee, Voorhees & Sease,
P.L.C.
Parent Case Text
I. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of a
provisional application Ser. No. 60/657,299 filed Mar. 1, 2005,
which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of lighting a sports field with a sports lighting
system including a plurality of lighting fixtures elevated on a
plurality of poles, each fixture having a pre-determined aiming
point on the field, comprising: a. identifying a point of view on
or near the field at or from which increased playability and/or
decreased glare or spill light is desired; b. identifying one or
more poles having fixtures that may affect playability or glare and
spill from the point of view by identifying poles having fixtures
that are generally within a sector emanating from the point of
view; c. identifying one or more fixtures of each of said one or
more poles that may affect playability or glare and spill for the
point of view by identifying aiming points that fall within a
sector centered on a line between each said one or more poles
identified in step b and the point of view; d. including a
component to a fixture identified in step c which shields or
diminishes light and/or direct view of light from the fixture from
the point of view; so that one or more said fixtures with said
component will increase playability and/or decrease glare or spill
light relative to the point of view.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the point of view is a player
location relative to another point on the field.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the point of view is a location
off the field relative to a point on or around the field.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the location off the field
comprises a dwelling.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein playability comprises ability of a
player on the field to see people or objects.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein glare or spill control comprises
controlling or reducing perceived glare or actual light levels.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the sports field comprises a field
on which aerial sports are played.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the aerial sport is baseball.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the component is a visor.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: adding the component
only to a fixture identified in step c that is a sufficient
distance away from the point of view that a light source in the
fixture would be at least partially obscured from the point of
view.
11. A method of designing a sports lighting system including a
plurality of lighting fixtures elevated on a plurality of poles
comprising: a. computing a pre-determined aiming point for each
fixture on a design plan of the field; b. identifying a point of
view on the design plan of the field at or from which increased
playability and/or decreased glare or spill light is desired; c.
identifying one or more poles having fixtures that may affect
playability or glare and spill from the point of view by
identifying poles having fixtures that are generally within a
sector emanating from the point of view; d. identifying one or more
fixtures of each of said one or more poles that may affect
playability or glare and spill for the point of view by identifying
aiming points that fall within a sector centered on a line between
each said one or more poles identified in step c and the point of
view; e. including a component to a fixture identified in step d
which shields or diminishes light and/or direct view of light from
the fixture from the point of view; f. so that one or more said
fixtures with said component will increase playability and/or
decrease glare or spill light relative to the point of view.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising adding the component
only to a fixture identified in step d that is a sufficient
distance away from the point of view that a light source in the
fixture would be at least partially obscured from the point of
view.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the design plan is accomplished
on a computer.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the design plan is applied to an
actual lighting system.
15. A method of designing the addition of long visors to selected
fixtures of a baseball sports lighting system for improving
playability and/or glare or spill light control comprising: a.
identifying if any poles fit within a range of degrees of a line
between a home plate and a pitchers mound; b. if so, identifying if
any aiming points to the field for any fixtures on such a pole fall
within a second range of degrees of a line between the pole and
home plate; c. if so, adding a long visor to the fixture if home
plate is greater than a third range of degrees above a line between
the fixture and the aiming point; d. for each of designated right,
center, and left fielder positions on the field, identifying if any
poles fit within a fourth range of degrees of a line between each
such position and home plate; e. if so, identifying if any aiming
points to the field for any fixtures on such a pole fall within a
fifth range of degrees of a line between the pole and such
position; f. if so, adding a relatively large visor to the fixture
if such position is greater than a sixth range of degrees above a
line between the fixture and the aiming point.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising adding short visors
to at least some of the remaining fixtures of the lighting
system.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the first and fourth range of
degrees is approximately +/-30 degrees; the second and fifth range
of degrees is approximately +/-15 degrees, and the third and sixth
range of degrees is approximately 10 degrees.
18. A method of lighting a sports field with a sports lighting
system including a plurality of lighting fixtures elevated on at
least one elevating structure, each light fixture having an aiming
point on the field, comprising: a. identifying a point of view on
or near the field at or from which increased playability and/or
decreased glare or spill light is desired; b. identifying one or
more elevating structures having fixtures that may affect
playability or glare and spill from the point of view by
identifying elevating structures having fixtures that are generally
within a sector emanating from the point of view; c. identifying
one or more fixtures of each of said one or more elevating
structures that may affect playability or glare and spill for the
point of view by identifying aiming points that fall within a
sector centered on a line between each said one or more elevating
structures identified in step b and the point of view; d. including
a component to a fixture identified in step c which shields or
diminishes light and/or direct view of light from the fixture from
the point of view; so that one or more said fixtures with said
component will increase playability and/or decrease glare or spill
light relative to the point of view.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the point of view is a player
location relative to another point on the field.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the point of view is a location
off the field relative to a point on or around the field.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the location off the field
comprises a dwelling.
22. The method of claim 18 wherein playability comprises ability of
a player on the field to see people or objects.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein glare or spill control comprises
controlling or reducing perceived glare or actual light levels.
24. The method of claim 18 wherein the sports field comprises a
field on which aerial sports are played.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the aerial sport is
baseball.
26. The method of claim 18 wherein the component is a visor.
27. The method of claim 18 further comprising: adding the component
only to a fixture identified in step c that is a sufficient
distance away from the point of view that a light source in the
fixture would be at least partially obscured from the point of
view.
28. A method of designing a sports lighting system including a
plurality of lighting fixtures elevated on at least one elevating
structure comprising: a. computing a pre-determined aiming point
for each fixture on a design plan of a field; b. identifying a
point of view on the design plan of the field at or from which
increased playability and/or decreased glare or spill light is
desired; c. identifying one or more elevating structures having
fixtures that may affect playability or glare and spill from the
point of view by identifying elevating structures having fixtures
that are generally within a sector emanating from the point of
view; d. identifying one or more fixtures of each of said one or
more elevating structures that may affect playability or glare and
spill for the point of view by identifying aiming points that fall
within a sector centered on a line between each said one or more
elevating structures identified in step c and the point of view; e.
including a component to a fixture identified in step d which
shields or diminishes light and/or direct view of light from the
fixture from the point of view; f. so that one or more said
fixtures with said component will increase playability and/or
decrease glare or spill light relative to the point of view.
29. The method of claim 28 further comprising adding the component
only to a fixture identified in step d that is a sufficient
distance away from the point of view that a light source in the
fixture would be at least partially obscured from the point of
view.
30. The method of claim 28 wherein the design plan is accomplished
on a computer.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein the design plan is applied to an
actual lighting system.
32. A method of designing the addition of a visor to selected
lighting fixtures of an aerial sports lighting system for improving
playability and/or glare or spill light control comprising: a.
identifying if any fixtures fit within a range of degrees of a line
between a home plate and a pitchers mound; b. if so, identifying if
any aiming points to the field for any fixtures fall within a
second range of degrees of a line between the fixture and home
plate; c. if so, adding a long visor to the fixture if home plate
is greater than a third range of degrees above a line between the
fixture and the aiming point; d. for each of designated right,
center, and left fielder positions on the field, identifying if any
fixtures fit within a fourth range of degrees of a line between
each such position and home plate; e. if so, identifying if any
aiming points to the field for any fixtures fall within a fifth
range of degrees of a line between the fixture and such position;
f. if so, adding a relatively large visor to the fixture if such
position is greater than a sixth range of degrees above a line
between the fixture and the aiming point.
33. The method of claim 32 further comprising adding short visors
to at least some of the remaining fixtures of the lighting
system.
34. The method of claim 32 wherein the first and fourth range of
degrees is approximately +/-30 degrees; the second and fifth range
of degrees is approximately +/-15 degrees, and the third and sixth
range of degrees is approximately 10 degrees.
35. A method of lighting a large area with a lighting system
including a plurality of lighting fixtures elevated on a plurality
of elevating structures, each light fixture having a pre-determined
aiming point on the area, comprising: a. identifying a point of
view on or near the area at or from which increased playability
and/or decreased glare or spill light is desired; b. identifying
one or more elevating structures having fixtures that may affect
playability or glare and spill from the point of view by
identifying elevating structures having fixtures that are generally
within a sector emanating from the point of view; c. identifying
one or more fixtures of each of said one or more elevating
structures that may affect playability or glare and spill for the
point of view by identifying aiming points that fall within a
sector centered on a line between each said one or more elevating
structures identified in step b and the point of view; d. including
a component to a fixture identified in step c which shields or
diminishes light and/or direct view of light from the fixture from
the point of view; so that one or more said fixtures with said
component will increase playability and/or decrease glare or spill
light relative to the point of view.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein the point of view is a viewer
location relative to another point on the area.
37. The method of claim 35 wherein the point of view is a location
off the area relative to a point on or around the area.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the location off the area
comprises a dwelling.
39. The method of claim 35 wherein playability comprises ability of
a viewer on the area to see people or objects.
40. The method of claim 35 wherein glare or spill control comprises
controlling or reducing perceived glare or actual light levels.
41. The method of claim 35 wherein the area comprises a field on
which aerial sports are played.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the aerial sport is
baseball.
43. The method of claim 35 wherein the component is a visor.
44. The method of claim 35 further comprising: adding the component
only to a fixture identified in step c that is a sufficient
distance away from the point of view that a light source in the
fixture would be at least partially obscured from the point of
view.
45. A method of designing a lighting system including a plurality
of lighting fixtures elevated on a plurality of elevating
structures comprising: a. computing a pre-determined aiming point
for each fixture on a design plan of an area; b. identifying a
point of view on the design plan of the area at or from which
decreased glare or spill light is desired; c. identifying one or
more elevating structures having fixtures that may affect glare and
spill from the point of view by identifying elevating structures
having fixtures that are generally within a sector emanating from
the point of view; d. identifying one or more fixtures of each of
said one or more elevating structures that may affect glare and
spill for the point of view by identifying aiming points that fall
within a sector centered on a line between each said one or more
elevating structures identified in step c and the point of view; e.
including a component to a fixture identified in step d which
shields or diminishes light and/or direct view of light from the
fixture from the point of view; f. so that one or more said
fixtures with said component will decrease glare or spill light
relative to the point of view.
46. The method of claim 45 further comprising adding the component
only to a fixture identified in step d that is a sufficient
distance away from the point of view that a light source in the
fixture would be at least partially obscured from the point of
view.
47. The method of claim 45 wherein the design plan is accomplished
on a computer.
48. The method of claim 47 wherein the design plan is applied to an
actual lighting system.
49. A method of designing the addition of long visors to selected
lighting fixtures of a lighting system for improving glare or spill
light control to an area comprising: a. identifying if any fixtures
fit within a range of degrees of a line between a first point on
the area and a second point on the area; b. if so, identifying if
any aiming points to the field for any fixtures fall within a
second range of degrees of a line between the fixture and the first
point; c. if so, adding a long visor to the fixture if the first
point is greater than a third range of degrees above a line between
the fixture and the aiming point; d. for each of plural designated
positions on the area, identifying if any fixtures fit within a
fourth range of degrees of a line between each such position and
the first point; e. if so, identifying if any aiming points to the
area for any fixtures fall within a fifth range of degrees of a
line between the fixture and such position; f. if so, adding a
relatively large visor to the fixture if such position is greater
than a sixth range of degrees above a line between the fixture and
the aiming point.
50. The method of claim 49 further comprising adding short visors
to at least some of the remaining fixtures of the lighting
system.
51. The method of claim 49 wherein the first and fourth range of
degrees is approximately +/-30 degrees; the second and fifth range
of degrees is approximately +/-15 degrees, and the third and sixth
range of degrees is approximately 10 degrees.
Description
II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to wide area lighting systems which
utilize a plurality of light fixtures elevated at substantial
heights relative to an area or volume of space to be lighted. In
particular, the present invention relates to addition of visors of
specific characteristics to just selected fixtures to address
playability and glare or spill light issues.
B. Issues in the Present State of the Art
A conventional and well-known way to light large areas economically
is to erect several poles at spaced positions around the area to be
lighted. Each pole would elevate one or more bowl-shaped
reflectors, each surrounding a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp.
Each fixture produces a relatively controlled and concentrated beam
of light. By appropriate design and aiming of the fixtures, the
beams can be directed from various directions to compositely light
the target area relatively uniformly.
A primary example of such lighting is for outdoor sports fields.
The owner of the present application, Musco Corporation, has been
involved in such sports field lighting for many years. Their
website, www.musco.com, provides information and background on such
lighting.
These types of lighting systems have been successful because they
are both effective and relatively economical. By efficient
engineering design, the number of fixtures to effectively light the
area can be minimized. Thus, cost of the system (including
minimization of number of poles--which can be sometimes be the
largest portion of cost of such systems) can be minimized.
However, to achieve the type of light levels for sports such as
baseball, football, softball, soccer, etc., relatively powerful
light sources are required. Thus, issues of glare and spill light
exist with these systems. For example, a player on the field can be
affected by glare caused by looking directly at one of these
powerful HID light sources in a fixture. Glare, as well as spill
light, relative to a homeowner across the street from the sports
field can also be an issue. The issues of glare and spill light are
well-known in the art. A variety of attempts have been made to
address glare and spill. The owner of the present application has
developed a number of systems for the same. Examples can be found
at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office under the assignee name of
Musco Corporation. One specific example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,974
(incorporated by reference hereto). U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,974 gives
some discussion of glare and spill issues and considerations, as
well as general information about sports lighting and the type of
fixtures commonly used. While these glare and spill light control
methods have generally worked well, there usually is some balancing
of factors involved in glare and spill control. For example,
complete elimination of spill light to areas surrounding the field
may require substantial and drastic glare and spill control
measures, which could be expensive, diminish the light available to
use at the field, and involve the need for additional fixtures
which would increase cost. Sometimes, glare and spill is not an
issue for the field, but many times it is. Sometimes effective
design of the lighting system (e.g. placement of poles, number and
direction of aiming of fixtures, etc.) can avoid the need for
drastic glare and spill control measures. However, there are many
fields that have on- or off-field situations that require attention
and can not be easily eliminated. For example, there may be no
option as to placement of a pole or poles, which, in turn, might
result in one or more fixtures on a pole creating on-field
playability issues or unavoidable glare and spill problems with a
particular house or off-field location.
Another example is the fact that the light used to illuminate a
field ideally provides what is called playability for the players
on the field. Many times, players cannot help but be in direct
line-of-sight with some fixtures. This can affect the player's
ability to play the game on the field (e.g. follow the flight of a
ball). One approach in the past was to block light from any
offending fixture. However, this would reduce the amount of
available light for the field, which could either result in
insufficient light for the field or require substantial added
expense to add light to the field through other fixtures or
methods. Many times, therefore, the issue is ignored or not
addressed.
Another playability issue applies particularly to what can be
called aerial sports (e.g. where a ball, as a part of the game, can
move to locations well above the field). Since typical sports
lighting systems have fixtures elevated on poles around the outside
of the field, and the fixtures are typically aimed down towards the
field, the volume of space above the center of the field (e.g.
mid-field) may have substantially less light. This can make it
difficult for a player to follow a ball in flight, especially if it
moves from higher illumination areas to lower, or if the player
loses continuous sight of the ball and must reacquire it.
Some of the glare and spill systems of Musco Corporation, e.g.
TLC.TM. brand, can control glare and spill very well but mid-field
playability may sometimes be affected somewhat. Other glare and
spill control, e.g. Musco Corporation Level-8.TM. for example, can
provide a good combination of glare and spill control with
generally adequate mid-field playability. However, there can be
situations where more mid-field playability illumination is
desirable.
Therefore, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods
for balancing the various and sometimes complicated issues of wide
area lighting to try to optimize available light to and above the
field at the most economic cost, but also includes specific
remedies to improve playability to players or address glare and
spill issues for indicated off-field sites.
III. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
At a general level, one aspect of the present invention is to
selectively use visors of relatively long length for selected
fixtures for a lighting system. One option is selection of a
relatively long visor for certain fixtures for specific playability
or glare and spill issues for specific locations on or off the
field. Another option is to use long visors on selected fixtures
and shorter visors or no visors on other fixtures of the system. In
doing so, selected playability and/or glare and/or spill issues are
addressed and the remainder of the system can address other light
level and uniformity issues for the field as well as other
playability and/or glare and spill control issues, if any. Longer
and shorter visors (or no visors) can therefore be mixed and
matched according to indicated needs.
Another aspect of the present invention is a specific method of
identifying which fixtures to modify with a long visor to improve
playability for selected players on the field. A series of steps or
rules are followed to determine generally which fixtures should be
considered for the longer visors. For example, addition of a longer
visor could shield direct view of the light source from a specific
player or players in their normal on-field position(s). The method
assists in identifying which fixtures may need a long visor, even
at the design stage. Other fixtures could either have shorter
visors or no visors depending on the other lighting needs of the
field and its surrounding environment, which could include the
desire to have larger mid-field playability illumination
levels.
In another aspect of the invention, a similar type of analysis can
be used to identify off-field glare and spill light problems and
selectively address them by adding longer visors to selected
fixtures (such as reducing or eliminating glare and spill to a
single home across the street from the field which has direct line
of sight to one or more fixtures). Shorter visors or no visors
could be utilized on other fixtures depending on the other lighting
needs of that field and its surrounding environment, including for
the purpose to increase mid-field playability lighting for the
field.
IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a baseball field with a
multi-fixture lighting system.
FIG. 2 is part of a lighting design plan view of the baseball field
of FIG. 1 indicating aiming points for the lighting fixtures.
FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 2 with the addition of superposed
angular sectors used for a method according to the present
invention to identify lighting fixtures requiring visors to improve
playability for batters.
FIG. 4A is a side elevation diagram illustrating a step in the
method for identifying which fixtures to which should be added
visors to improve playability for a player.
FIG. 4B is an additional diagram to illustrate the principle of
FIG. 4A.
FIG. 5A is similar to FIG. 3 but with superposed angular sectors
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for
identifying lighting fixtures requiring visors to improve
playability for a right fielder.
FIG. 5B is similar to FIG. 5A but with superposed angular sectors
to improve playability for a center fielder.
FIG. 5C is similar to FIGS. 5A and B but for improving playability
for a left fielder.
FIG. 6 is a side elevation diagram illustrating part of a
methodology for identifying lighting fixtures requiring visors to
provide glare and/or spill control for buildings outside the
playing field, according to another aspect of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 3 with superposed angular segments
according to an aspect of the invention for identifying lighting
fixtures requiring visors to improve glare and spill control for
the house of FIG. 6 outside the playing field.
V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The invention can perhaps best be understood in specific examples.
Below are four such examples. Of course, the invention can take
many different forms and embodiments and these examples do not
limit the invention.
Each of the examples given below will reference the
above-identified drawings.
Each of the examples will also be discussed in the context of a
lighting system such as is diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 is a not-to-scale diagrammatic depiction of baseball field
100 (reference numerals 102, 103, 104, and 105 indicate home plate,
first base, second base, and third base respectively). First base
line 107, third base line 108, and outfield line or wall 109 define
the perimeter limits of field 100. For purposes of this discussion,
line 106 is basically a center line between home plate and outfield
wall 109 through the pitcher's mound, dissecting the segment-shaped
field 100. It also defines a line between home plate and the center
of the pitcher's mound, thus approximating a line of sight between
a batter and a pitcher. It can be important to eliminate or reduce
any glare from a fixture in a batter's eyes when at bat for
playability.
FIG. 2 shows an example of part of a lighting design and fixture
aiming diagram chart by Musco Corporation for baseball field 100 of
the dimensions indicated on FIG. 2. Typically, specifications
regarding amount or intensity of light across the field, as well as
uniformity of light across the field are specified. Utilizing
computerized techniques known in the art, the design calls for
thirty-eight fixtures (each with a 1500 watt HID lamp and numbered
with reference numbers 1-38 in FIG. 1). They are elevated on eight
poles (designated by A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, and D2
respectively) at positions spaced around field 100. As indicated at
FIG. 2, mounting heights for the fixtures on cross arms near the
top of the poles is approximately 70 feet above the ground.
The tables below provide additional details regarding the lighting
system associated with the lighting aiming diagram of FIG. 2. Table
1 provides additional details, for this specific embodiment,
regarding the height and size of the poles and the lighting fixture
types. In this embodiment, lighting fixture types are available
commercially from Musco Corporation.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Wind Speed: 90 MPH Building Code: IBC
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT Approximate 50/30 FC Lamp Type 1500 W MZ
Footcandle LSG 7 Level: Max to MIN 2:1/2.5:1 Finish Galvanized
Ratio Not to Exceed: ELECTRICAL LUMINAIRES LOAD POLE Fixtures
Killowatt Pole Pole Mounting Pole Fixture per pole Consumption
Quantity Location Height Size Elev. Type /Unit Total /Unit Total 1
A1 70' 70A 0 LS-1500-4 4 4 6.24 6.24 1 A2 70' 70A 0 LS-1500-4 4 4
6.24 6.24 1 B1 70' 70B 0 LS-1500-8 8 8 12.48 12.48 1 B2 70' 70B 0
LS-1500-8 8 8 12.48 12.48 1 C1 70' 70A 0 LS-1500-3 3 3 4.68 4.68 1
C2 70' 70A 0 LS-1400-3 3 3 4.68 4.68 1 D1 70' 70A 0 LS-1500-4 4 4
6.24 6.24 1 D2 70' 70A 0 LS-1500-4 4 4 6.24 6.24 8 .rarw. TOTALS
.fwdarw. 38 59.28
Table 2 provides more detail regarding the specific location of the
aiming points (the circled numbers 1-38 in FIG. 2). As shown in
FIG. 2, home plate is indicated as the 0-0XY position in the
two-dimensional plan view of the field. The numbers along the
horizontal and vertical straight sides of the grid superposed on
the field also have numbers indicating distance in feet. The field
assumes 90-foot base paths and 310 feet to the right and left field
corners, and 350 feet to straight on center field. Each of the
squares indicated by dotted lines of the grid of FIG. 2 are 30 feet
by 30 feet. Thus, for example, as shown in Table 2 below, aiming
point 1 (the number 1 in a circle) is 18 feet from home base in a
horizontal or X direction and minus 32 feet from home plate in a
vertical direction.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Aiming Points Number X Y Z 1 18 -32 0 4 49
106 0 5 2 46 0 8 51 255 0 13 -9 259 0 15 146 272 0 16 73 293 0 19
248 201 0 20 211 240 0 23 277 74 0 24 263 135 0 26 262 -16 0 27 251
52 0 30 50 3 0 35 108 46 0 38 -32 19 0
Table 3 below indicates some additional features for this specific
lighting system.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 BALLAST VOLTAGE: 480 v 3 PHASE
SPECIFICATIONS .90 Minimum Power Factor SINGLE PHASE VOLTAGE 120
208 240 277 347 380 415 480 (also applicable to each single phase
of a 3 phase system) 1500 WATT METAL 15.0 8.6 7.5 6.5 5.1 4.7 4.2
3.7 HALIDE LAMP Operating line amperage per fixture, max. draw 1000
WATT METAL 9.5 5.4 4.8 4.1 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.4 HALIDE LAMP Operating
line amperage per fixture, max. draw
To achieve the uniformity and intensity specifications, each of the
fixtures 1-38 has a central aiming axis that is aimed to an aiming
point indicated in FIG. 2 (see circled numbers 1-38 on or near
field 100 each corresponding with a fixture 1-38 of the same
number). Each of the aiming points indicates the intersection of
the center of the beam with the surface of field 100. The center of
the beam is usually the highest intensity. As is indicated in FIG.
2, some of the beams (see line between pole and aiming point on
field 100 for each fixture) actually cross each other. However, it
is generally true that fixtures on each pole are directed in
angularly diverging directions from one another. The design tries
to direct the beams from the eight pole locations in a pattern that
achieves specified intensity and uniformity across the field.
A batter 200 would stand near home plate 102 and primarily look
along line 106 to the pitcher when at bat. FIG. 2 also indicates
typical normal positions for right fielder (reference number 202),
center fielder (204), and left fielder (206) (each approximately 60
feet towards home plate from the outfield boundary or wall
109).
A. EXAMPLE 1
Improving Playability for Batter on Baseball Field
As can be appreciated, a batter standing at home plate 102 would be
generally looking along center line 106 towards the pitcher. As
indicated by FIG. 2, some of the fixtures have aiming directions
generally towards home base 102 (e.g. fixtures 22 and 17). Because
they are elevated on the order of 70 feet, even though most are
angled down to aiming points on field 100 that are relatively far
away from home plate 102, there is the potential a batter can see
the light source in the fixture, or glare from reflection from
light generated in the fixture.
As previously mentioned, one way to solve this is to change the
aiming direction of such fixtures. Another way would be to block or
blacken the offending part of any fixture. However, in either of
those cases, it is likely that uniformity and intensity level to
the field would be compromised and therefore undesirable or even
unacceptable.
In this exemplary embodiment, the issue of a batter having glare
from fixtures relative to field 100 is addressed as follows:
1. Step One
First, by referring to FIG. 3, an area defined by angle on either
side of center line 106 is selected as an area of interest for
considering adding long visors to fixtures on poles within that
area to diminish possible glare to a batter. For a batter at home
plate, one example of such an area (pie-shaped sector 122) is
indicated in FIG. 3 by thick lines, namely plus or minus 30 degrees
from center line 106 (with line 106 being 0 degrees). In this case
two poles, D1 and D2, are implicated because they fall within
sector 122. Thus, all the fixtures on D1 and D2 are then relevant
for further evaluation for adding long visors.
The +/-30 degrees is considered a reasonable range of interest for
either left or right handed batters relative to a pitcher. As
indicated in FIG. 2, aiming directions of some fixtures on other
poles are towards home plate and the batter, but not from a
direction a batter generally looks at when batting.
2. Step Two
Once it is determined one or more poles are within the +/-30
degrees of line of sight of batter to pitcher, the next step helps
determine if any fixture is likely to actually be a glare concern
to batters. Because the aiming directions of fixtures on poles D1
and D2 vary significantly, only those fixtures reasonably aimed in
the direction of the batter are considered for adding long visors.
In this exemplary embodiment, any aiming point on field 100 within
+/-15 degrees to line of sight from either pole D1 or D2 (30
degrees total arc) to the batter at home base 102 is considered
eligible for a long visor. As shown in FIG. 3 by sectors 124 and
126, this implicates fixture 17 for pole D1 and fixture 22 for pole
D2 (see circled numbers 17 and 22 within sectors 124 and 126
respectively). Aiming point 17 is the only aiming point of fixtures
from pole D1 that is completely within a relevant sector (sector
124) of FIG. 3. Aiming point 22 is the only aiming point of
fixtures from pole D2 that is completely within a relevant sector
(sector 126) of FIG. 3. Again, the +/-30 degree segment 122 of FIG.
3 defines which poles are likely most relevant to a glare issue for
the batter. Then, the +/-15 degree segment 124 or 126 from each
relevant pole determines which fixtures on a pole are likely most
relevant to a glare issue for the batter.
Thus, in this example, two fixtures of the thirty-eight total
fixtures are implicated as eligible for long visors to reduce glare
to a batter and/or improve playability for the batter.
3. Step Three
The last step is to confirm a long visor will materially improve
playability. This step considers the distance and angle of the
batter from the fixtures implicated by steps 1 and 2. Long visors
will be applied to these fixtures 17 and 22 unless a batter at home
base 102 is not far enough away from the fixtures. More
specifically, if the batter is not a sufficient distance away, even
a long visor may not effectively block direct sight of the light
source and reduce any significant offending glare light from the
fixture.
This principle is illustrated in FIGS. 4A and B. In the case of the
field of FIG. 3, a batter 200 at home plate 102 is over 300 feet
from poles D1 and D2. Since the eligible fixtures 17 and 22 are
elevated approximately 70 feet in the air, their angle with respect
to the pole is indicated at FIG. 4A as X degrees. This acute angle
X can be found by measuring the angle between the vertical pole and
a line from the fixture to its aiming point (in FIG. 4A the example
used is aiming location 22 on field 100). It has been determined
that for the type of long visor contemplated in this exemplary
embodiment, the player should be more than 10 degrees above that
angle X. FIG. 4A shows in line 132 an angle 10 degrees greater
than, or above, angle X (line 130). Based on geometry, for the
field of FIG. 3, a batter at home plate 102 would be at an angle
(see line 134) that is greater than or above line 132, which
defines 10 degrees above angle X.
It has been determined that a long visor (hereinafter called long
visor or 14 inch visor) on fixture 22 should be effective to reduce
glare to a batter at home base 102 from fixture 22 because at an
angle of over X plus 10 degrees, the long visor would block all or
a significant amount of direct view of a batter of the light source
of fixture 22, or the intense portion of the reflector for the
fixture. This is illustrated diagrammatically at FIG. 4B as
follows.
Fixtures 1-38 generally have a bowl-shaped reflector 112 with a HID
light source 114 inside. Line 120 diagrammatically shows the direct
line of sight from a batter 200 at home plate 102 relative to light
source 114 and reflector 112 of fixture 22 in FIG. 3. Because of
the geometrical relationship of the aiming angle of fixture 22
relative to field 100, a batter 200 likely would be able to
directly view light source 114 in the interior of reflector 112 if
no visor or other structure blocks such a view. This would cause
glare in the batter's eyes and could affect performance of the
batter. This is a playability issue for players on field 100--in
particular batters at home plate 102. According to the method of
this exemplary embodiment, fixture 22 could be modified by a long
reflector 116 having a sufficient length to block direct sight of
the light source 114 (along line 120) relative to most batters 200
at home plate 102. By doing so, glare would be reduced because
direct sight of that high intensity light source would be blocked.
This is in comparison to no visor on the fixture or even a short
visor (the end of which is diagrammatically indicated by line 118
in FIG. 4B).
Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, following rules 1-3 above,
two fixtures, 17 and 22 would have long visors 116 added to
increase playability for batters.
The specifics of long visor 116 can vary but can be derived by
empirical methods. One example of a long visor 116 is shown in FIG.
4B (the longer, more hood-shaped 14-inch long version). Details
about such a visor are set forth in co-owned, co-pending published
application Publication No. 2006/018182 A1, and incorporated by
reference herein. Note in particular how visor 116 is hood-shaped
and extends out and down over the front of the fixture. FIG. 4B
gives an indication of this--including an indication of how it
could block at least direct view of the light source for certain
aiming angles and could block direct view of almost the whole
interior of the fixture, including at least a portion of the most
intense part of the reflector surface, which could also cause
glare. Compare this with a shorter visor (called 7 inch visor)
indicated by dashed line 118 in FIG. 4B. The figures show the
general proportion and size of long and short visors relative to a
light fixture and HID lamp.
Therefore, by the simple addition of extended visors to two
fixtures out of the thirty-eight, playability for batters can be
increased.
The method step 1 first identifies what poles are suspect for
batters. Step 2 then looks specifically at fixtures on those
suspect poles that could likely create a glare issue for batters.
Step 3 simply makes sure that adding a long visor would remedy or
partially remedy the issue for batters. There are some
circumstances where a player would be too close to the fixture that
even a long visor would not remedy the situation (the batter could
still see the light source--usually if at X+10 degrees or less per
FIG. 4A).
B. EXAMPLE 2
Outfielders
In a similar fashion to Example 1, playability for outfielders can
be improved following the general methodology described in Example
1. By additionally referring to FIGS. 5A-C, a second exemplary
embodiment for outfielders can be described as follows.
1. Step One
A typical position for right fielder 202 (see FIG. 5A) is
approximately 60 feet from fence 109 towards home plate 102. First,
suspect poles are identified by looking approximately +/-20 degrees
from the line of sight of the right fielder to the batter or home
plate 102 (see sector 142 in FIG. 5A). The outfielder primarily
concentrates on the batter. This implicates poles A1 and A2.
2. Step Two
Then, specific fixtures from poles A1 or A2 that might be a problem
are identified by any aiming point of a fixture that falls on field
100 within +/-15 degrees of line of sight from either pole A1 or A2
to the right fielder location 202 (see sectors 144 and 146
respectively in FIG. 5A). As shown in FIG. 5A, none of the aiming
points of fixtures of pole A2 fall squarely into sector 146.
Therefore, no long visors on fixtures on pole A2 are indicated to
be needed for the right fielder in this example. However, the
aiming point for fixture 3 of pole A1 falls within the orange
segment 144 in FIG. 5A. Thus, a long visor is indicated for fixture
3 relative to the right fielder.
3. Step Three
If a long visor was indicated for any fixture, a check would be
made if the rule of FIG. 4A was satisfied, namely that outfielder
202 is more than 10 degrees above the angle between the pole and
its relevant aiming point on field 100. In this example, this last
step would be satisfied and a long visor would be added to fixture
3.
The same method can be used for center fielder 204 and left fielder
206. For center fielder 204, a +/-20 degrees segment from line of
sight of the center fielder to the batter is identified (see sector
152 in FIG. 5B) to identify suspect poles (here A1 and A2 again).
Then +/-15 degrees within line of sight from each pole back to the
centerfielder (sectors 154 and 156) looks for aiming points from
suspect relevant poles. In this case, fixtures 3 and 4 from pole A1
(circled aiming points 3 and 4 in FIG. 5B) and fixtures 35 and 36
from pole A2 (circled aiming points 35 and 36) fall within their
relevant sector 154 or 156 of FIG. 5B. Long visors 70B would be
placed on those four fixtures to reduce or eliminate glare for
center fielder 204, if the test of FIG. 4A is met, which would be
the case in this example.
Similarly, left fielder 206 would have a +/-20 degrees sector 162
(see sector 162 in FIG. 5C) that defines eligible poles. Aiming
points within +/-15 degree sector 164 or 166 (see sectors 164 and
166 in FIG. 5C) would define which fixtures should be considered
for long visors. In this case no fixtures for pole A1 qualify and
only fixture 36 from pole A2 qualifies. A long visor 70B would be
placed on fixture 36 if left fielder 206 meets the test of FIG. 4A,
which would be the case in this example.
Thus, as can be seen by referring to FIGS. 5A, B, and C, for field
100, four fixtures would be modified by adding long 14-inch visors
for improved playability for one or more of the three outfielders
202, 204, and 206.
Thus, it can be understood that for some lighting designs the
method may not require any long visors, or only a few as in this
example (four out of thirty-eight fixtures). Rarely would it
require a lot of long visors.
C. EXAMPLE 3
As can be appreciated from Examples 1 and 2, a more comprehensive
application of the method can be made for a whole baseball or
softball field. The method can look for improved playability for a
variety of players, not just batters, and not just outfielders.
For example, FIG. 3 indicates two long visors for poles D1 and D2
respectively would be added to fixtures 17 and 22 for playability
of batters. FIGS. 5A-C indicate additional long visors for four
other fixtures (numbers 3, 4, 35, 36). Therefore, as indicated by
the thicker lines to aiming points 17, 22, 3, 4, 35 and 36 in FIG.
2, a total of six long visors could be utilized for field 100 using
the steps outlined in Examples 1 and 2 above to improve playability
for batters and outfielders.
The remaining fixtures out of the thirty-eight fixtures could have
no more than shorter visors (7 inch visors). Some fixtures may have
none. It may be best, according to design, that no visors be placed
on some fixtures because there may not be off-field spill and glare
issues for those fixtures, as will be discussed further below.
On the other hand, there could be situations where all the
remaining fixtures have short visors. This would help with glare
and spill light issues off the field, and will help create up light
over the mid-field for playability. Of course, there could be
selection of whether any visors or none go on selected fixtures
depending on need or desire for the particular field.
D. EXAMPLE 4
The types of considerations described for batters and outfielders
in Examples 1 and 2 can also apply to addressing glare and spill
light issues for off-field sites. For example, if a house 173 (see
FIGS. 6 and 7) was relatively close to outfield wall 109, just
across the street from pole D2, it also could have a glare or spill
problem with certain fixtures of the lighting system. A similar
regimen as described in Examples 1 and 2 could be adapted to
address this.
For example, first an angular sector (see sector 174 in FIG. 7)
from line of sight of the house to home plate could first be
established to identify suspect poles. In this case the angle for
sector 174 is wide enough to include all poles on field 100. All
should normally be at least considered, as a house is relatively
large (compared with just a single player) and usually has multiple
normal viewing directions to the field.
Second, within sector 174, aiming points on field 100 falling
within +/-15 degrees of line of sight from any pole back to house
173 (see sectors 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, and 180 from poles B2,
A2, A1, B1, C1, and D1 respectively) could be identified (no
angular sectors are drawn from poles D2 and C2 because all of their
fixtures point substantially away from house 173). Long visors
could be added to any fixture having an aiming point within any
sector emanating from the pole of that fixture, so long as the test
of FIG. 4A is met (the house is far enough away that a long visor
could help). In this case, fixture 3 of pole A1, fixture 10 of pole
B1, fixture 15 of pole C1 are implicated. Addition of long visors
70B to these fixtures could help reduce glare and spill to that
off-site location.
E. OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES
It can therefore be seen that the method and apparatus utilized
according to the exemplary embodiments can be directed towards
improving playability for players on the field and/or improving
glare and spill conditions for off-field sites. The above-described
embodiments are by example only and not by way of limitation.
Variations obvious to those skilled in the art will be included
within the invention. Some examples of options or alternatives are
set forth below.
The specific visors utilized (long or short) can vary in size and
configuration depending on a number of factors. The examples in the
drawings and references herein are illustrative only.
Visors used with the invention literally could be a range of
lengths. The 14 and 7 inch lengths are examples selected for
minimization of inventory and for balancing of a number of issues.
There could be more length choices or even incremental variations
in length to cover a variety of issues.
The circumstances upon which the longer version visor is applied
can vary also. The exemplary embodiments give examples of one set
of standards. The rules can vary according to need or desire. In
other words, the initial angular sector of interest (the sectors
122, 142, 152, 162, and 174 in FIGS. 3, 5A-C, and 7) of the first
step of the exemplary methods can be wider or narrower. The
secondary smaller angular sectors 124, 126; 144, 146; 154, 156;
164, 166; and 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180 of the second step
relative to aiming points on the field can be wider or narrower.
Also, the angular test (.gtoreq.10.degree. above X.degree. in FIG.
4A) for distance of the player (or off-site location) relative to
the pole (the third step) of the light source under investigation
can vary. The basic principles are laid out in the examples
above.
By limiting the number of fixtures with long visors, more up-light
is generally created for the mid-field. This can improve
playability. For example, if a baseball is hit high in the air to
the outfield, a certain amount of light above the field is needed
for a player to be able to track the ball through its entire
flight. There are times when a player turns his/her back on the
ball and loses sight of it for a while and then must find it again.
Short visors or no visors on the remaining fixtures can generally
put enough up light in the air for that type of playability. If all
fixtures had long visors, such playability may be lacking.
Another option and advantage of the invention is the selective
ability to address certain on-field glare and spill or playability
options. The examples speak only to batters and outfielders. There
also might be reasons to address infielders, umpires, dugouts, and
even spectators.
The invention can also be utilized in combination with other glare
and spill control options or up lighting options.
The need for candle power above the field is many times important.
Translucent inserts in longer visors could supply some of lighting
while addressing glare and spill problems (see long visor 70B with
translucent insert 77 shown and described in co-owned, co-pending
published U.S. Application Publication No. 2006/0176704 A1,
incorporated by reference herein. However, there are limitations on
how much up light such translucent inserts 77 can provide. More
candle power above the field than is possible with those
translucent inserts may be required in certain circumstances. Other
available glare control solutions may also not put sufficient
candle power above the field for playability. The general
methodology of the present invention allows for increased candle
power above the field with the added advantage that selective
playability and glare and spill issues can be addressed. For
general reference, use of translucent inserts 77 could provide on
the order of three thousand candle power above the field at the
height of substantial baseball fly balls. The present methodology
can supply on the order of 20-30 thousand candle power at least.
This is believed to be more than sufficient for good playability
such as tracking a baseball. Long visors can be applied only to
selected fixtures (which tends to reduce up-light at mid-field).
Short visors (or no visors) on the remainder tend to improve
up-light at mid-field for playability.
Some of the considerations regarding this method may be affected by
other factors. One would be the nature of the materials on field
100. For example, if the infield or entire field were made out of
white crushed rock, reflection of light from it may supply enough
up-lighting for playability. On the other hand, a dark green grass
field could accentuate the need for more candle power above the
field. Background (e.g. light or dark) can similarly affect up
lighting. These things can be taken into account in designing the
field.
* * * * *
References